The Hindu : National : Suicide attempt by woman RAW official?

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Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008
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Suicide attempt by woman RAW official?

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: A woman Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) official allegedly attempted suicide by taking some poisonous substance at the Prime Minister’s Office here on Tuesday. She was stated to be out of danger.

The incident took place around 2 p.m. when 46-year-old Nisha Bhatia, a Director in the Cabinet Secretariat, allegedly took poison after being denied entry. She had previously lodged a complaint alleging harassment at workplace.

Ms. Bhatia was rushed to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where she is under observation. The police will take necessary action on the basis of her statement.

According to a Cabinet Secretariat release, Ms. Bhatia had lodged a complaint last year alleging sexual harassment by her Joint Secretary. It was enquired into by the Complaint Committee and an external woman officer was also involved. However, Ms. Bhatia withdrew her complaint, said the release, adding that the official was given several opportunities to present her case, but she refused to cooperate. The committee summed up the inquiry on May 19 and found that her allegations were not substantiated.

Several complaints against Ms. Bhatia were received meanwhile from different officials alleging unauthorised communication, contact with the media, insubordination, misbehaviour, abuse of authority and sending objectionable and offensive SMS to senior officials. “Based on the examination of reports of her ‘erratic’ behaviour, a senior medical officer of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences suspected presence of a psychiatric illness in her and advised psychiatric opinion to assess her condition,” said the release.

According to the Cabinet Secretariat, Ms. Bhatia was advised to go for medical counselling, but she refused. In view of the complaints against her, a preliminary enquiry was ordered on August 8.

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